Emma, A New Musical by Joel Adlen. New York Musical Theatre Festival at the Acorn Theatre. Starring Leah Horowitz. Being big Jane Austen fans, we could hardly resist the chance to see a musical based on her masterwork Emma. Clearly enjoying one of the best "books" ever for a musical, this work by Joel Adlen is a sheer delight. The story of multiple pairings amusingly at cross purposes is inventively and wittily staged; the diverse personalities are effectively characterized with clever theatrical shorthand, enriched by their musical numbers. Adlen utilizes a chamber orchestra scored in a way that recalls the music of the story's setting, Hummel, Beethoven, Cherubini, Haydn, but in a modern idiom that is worthy of this post-Sondheim era. Standouts include "I Do Not Want," "Jane Fairfax Wrote a Letter," "If I Loved You Less" and "A Country Dance." The performances are winning. Leah Horowitz is a beautiful Emma, singing with a sweet sympathetic tone and acting the part as well as Gwyneth Paltrow did in the film. Great performances also from Jess Lawder as Frank Churchill, Terry Palasz as Miss Bates, John Patrick Moore as Mr. Knightley and particularly Ben Roseberry as a note perfect Mr. Elton. This musical (which could also be called a chamber opera) could play very well in small venues like 2nd Stage, Manhattan Theatre Club, or at Lincoln Center. It deserves such a home and a long, long run. Meanwhile, only three more performances so run to this! Broadway Bridge and Tunnel Test Grade A+